Dell Latitude XPiCD Reference Manual

Also see for Latitude XPi CD: Manual User guide Service manual

Contents

Dell Latitude XPiCD Reference Manual Manual pdf 54 page image

3-14 Dell Latitude XPi CD Reference and Troubleshooting Guidetion instructions before running a program’s installationroutine. You may be instructed to modify the initializa-tion or startup files of your operating system.When you run the installation routine, be prepared torespond to prompts for information about how your com-puter’s operating system is configured, what type ofcomputer you have, and what peripherals are connectedto your computer.Initialization or Startup FilesWhenever you start or reboot your computer, your oper-ating system executes commands it finds in itsinitialization or startup files.These files contain commands that automatically config-ure the operating environment by setting systemparameters, starting memory-resident programs, andloading device driver software. If you experience pro-gram conflicts or memory error messages, check thecommands for memory-resident programs in the initial-ization or startup files of your operating system. If aprogram or peripheral does not work correctly, check theproduct’s documentation to see if you need to modifythese files.Expanded and Extended MemoryIf you operate your computer with MS-DOS, the operat-ing system makes only 640 kilobytes (KB) (calledconventional memory) of the first 1 megabyte (MB) of systemmemory available for use by application programs. Someprograms require more than 640 KB of memory and, there-fore, cannot be run with conventional memory alone. Otherprograms run much faster when they have more than 1 MB ofmemory to use.When you boot your computer, MS-DOS recognizesmemory in excess of 1 MB as extended memory. Some, butnot all, application programs require the use of extendedmemory.Other MS-DOS application programs are able to useextended memory only if it is first converted intoexpanded memory by an expanded memory manager (EMM).Under the following conditions, expanded memory cangreatly enhance the computer’s ability to use applicationprograms that require more memory than is available inthe conventional memory area:• The application program is written for use withexpanded memory.• The EMM driver is installed and properly initialized.Improper use of an EMM can lead to conflicts betweenthe expanded-memory operation and any installed PCCards, which may be assigned memory areas that overlapmemory areas that the EMM is using.Using SoftwareThe following subsections discuss errors that can occurwhile using your software.Error MessagesError messages can be produced by an application pro-gram, the operating system, or the computer. “Messagesand Codes,” found earlier in this chapter, discusses theerror messages that are generated by the computer. If youreceive an error message that is not listed in that section,check your operating system or application programdocumentation.Input ErrorsIf a specific key or set of keys is pressed at the wrongtime, a program may give you unexpected results. See thedocumentation that came with your application program tomake sure the values or characters you are entering are valid.Make sure the operating environment is set up to accom-modate the programs you use. Keep in mind thatwhenever you change the parameters of the computer’soperating environment, you may affect the successfuloperation of your programs. Occasionally, when youmodify the operating environment, you may need to rein-stall a program that no longer runs properly.Memory-Resident ProgramsThere are a variety of utilities and supplementary pro-grams that can be loaded either when the computer bootsor from an operating system prompt. These programs aredesigned to stay resident in system memory and thusalways be available for use. Because they remain in thecomputer’s memory, memory conflicts and errors can